The New England Patriots suffered multiple injuries to impactful starters.
Just a few days into the season, New England lost star defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who was hospitalized with blood clots. The Patriots since suffered injuries to left tackle Vederian Lowe, captain and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley as well as replacement captain and safety Kyle Dugger.
But the injury and impending absence of captain and starting center David Andrews might serve as the most soul-crushing of all.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo on Wednesday confirmed Andrews will have surgery after he suffered a shoulder injury against the San Francisco 49ers. Mayo told reporters Andrews "probably" will miss the remainder of the season.
"It's tough," Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. "One thing about Dave, the first word I would say is just 'toughness.' He's a guy who he's been a captain here, he has great leadership ability. He's tough. He's able to communicate across the front. It's definitely a huge loss."
Andrews was arguably the most important Patriots player entering the season, especially given how the offensive line looked in training camp and the preseason. Not only is Andrews one of the top players at his position, but there was a huge degree of separation between him and his backups, including second-stringer Nick Leverett. There were fumbled snaps, blown protections, etc. during preseason games. It was ugly when Andrews was out.
Leverett replaced Andrews for the final three quarters against the Niners and held his own. It would be beneficial for that to continue, of course, but it's no certainty.
The Patriots were depleted on the offensive line even before the injury to Andrews. New England started a fourth left tackle (Chukwuma Okorafor, Lowe, Caedan Wallace, Demontrey Jacobs) in four weeks. They were down their top two left guards (Cole Strange, Sidy Sow) the first three weeks. Sow returned in Week 4, but Michael Jordan, who started at left guard the first three weeks, then was sidelined due to injury. There's been no timeline update on Strange, who started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
New England is starting players who were available on the waiver wire. The group has no depth.
There are other trickle-down effects in addition to Andrews' presence on the field, too. Andrews is a longtime captain and vocal leader of the group. Brissett said having Andrews as his center was a key reason he wanted to sign with New England. He's well-respected.
And what about rookie quarterback Drake Maye? Might the Patriots be less likely to play Maye given the injury to the center? Mayo told reporters one doesn't relate to the other, but if Leverett struggles to protect Brissett it wouldn't be a surprise if that changes.
For a multitude of reasons, the injury to Andrews could serve as the knockout punch for the already staggering Patriots.
